Kenneth L. Laud , 78, of East Moline, IL, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Citadel Healthcare in Sterling, IL.

Kenneth Lee Laud was born August 18, 1946, in Muscatine, IA to Kenneth K. and Mary Ann (Berdahl) Laud. He graduated from United Township High School in East Moline, IL in 1964. He married the love of his life Peggy S. (Phelps) Kennedy on May 9, 1986 in Silvis, IL.

Kenny was a sergeant in the US Army during the Vietnam war. It was jokingly said he was promoted to sergeant because he was better at giving orders than receiving them. Although he was never deployed to Vietnam, Kenny had many stories of his adventures during his service in the Army. He received the National Defense Service Medal.

Kenny was a concrete and excavating contractor and a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 234. He learned to love the business by working along side his dad and brother Snook as a young boy. He owned and operated Kenneth Laud Construction. Kenny was a perfectionist in his craft, putting quality before profit. Later in his career Kenny worked on various pipeline and windmill projects.

Kenny enjoyed being a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the QC Vintage Rods. He was a huge lover of all animals having rescued over the years, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons and even mice who had been orphaned.

Surviving are his wife, Peggy, of East Moline, IL; sons, Kurtis (Amy) Laud of Hampton, IL and Joshua (Jillian) Kennedy of Colona, IL; daughters, Kelly (Scott) Bance of East Moline, IL and Kimberlee (Mark) Smith of Surprise, AZ; grandchildren, Ashley Hanson, Zac Bance, Cody Laud, Mason Laud, Avery Kennedy, Maddux Kennedy, Brooks Kennedy, Parker Kennedy, Taelon Smith, Lincoln Smith and Chrissy Smith; great-grandchildren, Alec, Archer, Ollie and Ivy; and a sister Marlow and many more family and good friends that he cherished.

Kenneth was preceded in death by a son, Gene Kurtz Laud; brothers, Gene Kurtz "Snook" Laud and Danny Laud; his parents and his beloved dog Buddy L. Laud.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00pm on Monday, November 18th at Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline, IL. Visitation will take place prior to services from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Inurnment will be at a later date. A celebration of Kenny's life will take place immediately following the service at the Eagles club in Silvis, IL. Memorials may be made to QC Paws or Disabled American Veterans. Kenny's family invites you to share stories and leave condolences at vanhoe.com.

A special thank you to the team at Citadel Healthcare, the VA and all the doctors, nurses, therapists and caregivers that assisted Kenny during the past 2 1/2 years. Additionally, the family thanks John Crampton for his tremendous assistance and support in keeping Kenny at home for as long as possible.